How To Make The Most of Your Time Away From The Office
make the most of your time off.
Whether you’re taking vacation, laid off, or intentionally hitting the career pause button, you may find that your new-found freedom has you asking, “how am I going to spend ALL THIS TIME?”. And more importantly, you may be wondering how to make the time truly count.
I like to call this the "in-between" period. (this can also apply to vacation!) As a freelancer, I’ve definitely experienced the in-between period after one contract ends and before the new one begins. Reflecting back on my first in-between period, I’ve wondered, "What on earth did I do with all that time?" Well, I started a business, for one. But I’ve also realized that there are other things I wish I would have done during my time off.
Perhaps you're experiencing something similar. What does one do with new, unstructured time? How does one truly savor and enjoy the moment and minimize stress, all while dreaming up the next big career thing?
With a few in-between periods under my belt, I’ve experimented with ways to bring more meaning to my life and establish new habits that I can bring with me when I’m back to work.
Here are my top 10 favorite ways to help you make your time count while in between jobs (sorry, Netflix—you didn’t make the list!). First and foremost:
1. Allocate 2-3 hours each day to plan your next career move. Apply to jobs or start a business, attend networking events, meet with a business coach, etc.) and then …
Go enjoy your life!
2. Take up a new hobby or learn something new. Always wanted to be a better photographer or cook? Learn a new language or instrument? Enroll in a class!
3. Volunteer. Perhaps you’ve wanted to volunteer but have been stretched for time while working. Email a nonprofit or cause that you care about and see if they’re seeking volunteers.
4. Be a tourist in your own city. Since the world is your oyster, spend an afternoon at a museum, explore a new neighborhood, or have lunch in the park.
5. Spend quality time with family and friends. Set aside a longer period of time than you normally would to visit family or connect with old friends.
6. Read. Finish the book you’ve been halfway through for months, or pick up a new one on a subject that strikes your curiosity or a juicy fiction book your friends have been talking about.
7. Get fit. If you’ve fallen off the exercise wagon, here’s a great chance to hop back on. If you’re already a dedicated exerciser, try a new class or physical activity to challenge your body in new ways.
8. Explore nature. Nature sparks our creativity and gives us the feeling that everything is going to be a-OK. If you’re stressed out about not having a job, nature may be just the thing to spark a new idea or calm your nerves.
9. Create a daily mindful practice. Morning routine perhaps? If that seems like too much, try starting your day by listing five things you’re grateful for. That will give your day a solid start.
10. Start a side hustle. If concerns about money are becoming real, consider starting a side hustle. What is something you do well that could solve someone else’s problems? That's a great place to begin.
While the in-between time can be scary and uncomfortable, I invite you to make this time sacred. People experience amazing growth in between jobs and use it as a time for reflection. It's a fantastic time to get crystal clear on what you want in a career.
Once you dive back into work life, healthy habits you've developed or new experiences you’ve had will follow you. You’ll be able to reflect fondly on your time off because you grew, experienced new things, or reconnected with important people in your life.
Here’s to making your time in between jobs really count!
Holly works with professionals to create services-based businesses using expertise and strengths they already have. Holly is the creator of The Consultant Code, a program will have you up, running, and profitable with your services-based business in 60 days or less! Want to learn more? Drop her a note at: holly@hollyknoll.com